'Pathological liar': Biden trolled for repeating debunked claim he was first in family to attend college

Biden doubled down on this assertion during his address in Wisconsin, reigniting debates about his past misstatements
PUBLISHED APR 9, 2024
President Joe Biden reignited controversy by reiterating a debunked claim that he was the first in his family to attend college (Getty Images)
President Joe Biden reignited controversy by reiterating a debunked claim that he was the first in his family to attend college (Getty Images)

MADISON, WISCONSIN: In a recent speech addressing student loans in Wisconsin, President Joe Biden reignited controversy by reiterating a debunked claim that he was the first in his family to attend college.

Despite previous corrections, Biden doubled down on this assertion during his address on April 8, drawing scrutiny from critics and reigniting debates about his past misstatements.

Biden reiterates debunked claim

During the speech in Madison, Biden declared, "I, like an awful lot of people in this audience, was the first in my family to go to college and watched my dad struggle to help me get there."

The statement - echoing his 2020 campaign rhetoric - was swiftly challenged due to its factual inaccuracy.

The assertion resurfaced historical parallels when Biden faced criticism for plagiarism during his 1987 presidential campaign after borrowing language from British Labour Party Leader Neil Kinnock without attribution.

Back then, Biden had claimed he was the "first in his family ever to go to university," which mirrored Kinnock's words.

Despite subsequent clarifications to The New York Times where he acknowledged his mother's family members attending college (There are Finnegans, my mother's family, that went to college," he said, admitting the error), the recent revival of this claim has stirred fresh controversy.

Responding to inquiries, White House spokesman Andrew Bates stated, "The President is proud to be the first Biden to graduate college," attempting to reconcile Biden's statement with his family history.



 

However, scrutiny of Biden's family background reveals discrepancies in his narrative. Reports indicate that Biden's grandfather, Ambrose Finnegan, attended Santa Clara College around 1902, suggesting a familial connection to higher education.

While Ambrose Finnegan's athletic achievements have been noted, including references to him as a "star athlete" and a quarterback, evidence supporting Biden's claim of his grandfather being an "All-American football player" remains elusive.

The controversy unfolded against the backdrop of Biden's pledge to alleviate the burden of student loan debt for millions of Americans, a promise aimed at garnering support from young voters in battleground states.

During his speech, Biden emphasized his commitment to providing "life-changing relief" for borrowers, highlighting the plight of individuals whose student loan debts have ballooned over the years.

"Even when they work hard and pay their student loans, their debt increases and not diminishes," said Biden. "Too many people feel the strain and stress, wondering if they can get married, have their first child, start a family, because even if they get by, they still have this crushing, crushing debt."

Having said that, Biden has a history of fabricating claims.

Instances cited include his claim of driving a tractor-trailer during his youth, a statement contradicted by available evidence. Similarly, Biden's recounting of interactions with deceased individuals, such as an Amtrak train conductor during his vice presidency, has raised eyebrows, as noted by CNN.



 

Social media backlash for Biden

Social media erupted with reactions following Biden's latest fabrication, with many condemning what they perceived as a pattern of deceit.

"Biden is a Pathological liar," one posted on X.

"Ultimate con man," another wrote.

"No one ever stops Biden’s continuous lies. Why? How? Pathological liars have a disease. It is a symptom of narcissism," a comment read.

"If his lips are moving, he’s lying," someone else added.

"Zero truths come out of his mouth. How could any American trust him?" another wondered.



 



 



 



 



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online. 

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